Kathy Butzow

 

“Perhaps the greatest gift an animal has to offer is a permanent reminder of who we really are.” — Nick Trout

Who was Kathy Butzow? She was a fearless and fun-loving animal enthusiast whose life was marked by a fierce devotion to her family and her beloved animals. From a young age, Kathy's passion for animals was evident, and anyone fortunate enough to spend time with her would quickly feel the warmth of that love. Throughout her life, she lovingly cared for countless animals, including dogs, cats, longhorn cattle, pot-bellied pigs, deer, and her long-time love, Quarter Horses.

For over 50 years, Kathy was the proud owner and operator of West Wind Quarter Horse Farm in St. Joseph, Illinois. She remained actively involved in the farm's day-to-day operations. Kathy's journey in animal care began with training horses, and she even played a vital role in preparing racehorses as the first rider to get them out of the starting gate before they went to the racetracks.

Kathy's passion and love extended far beyond the barn. She was a truly one-of-a-kind person, often described as “one of the cool moms” who could find fun and mischief in any situation. Her playful spirit made her a wonderful friend to many—whether at horse shows, trail rides, or her “Curves Girls” get-togethers, Kathy embodied a love for life and for others.

Born on September 24, 1938, in Greenville, Tennessee, Kathy was the daughter of Phillips and Norma Garman. She graduated from University High School in Urbana, Illinois, in 1956. Her deep love for animals was part of the love story that brought her to her husband, Drew Butzow. They married on June 6, 1959, and their partnership flourished as they owned Pard’s Western Shop in Urbana and ran West Wind Quarter Horse Farm together. Drew lovingly describes Kathy as his partner in all aspects of life.

Surrounded by family, Kathy rode on to greener pastures on April 9, 2025, at Carle Hospital. She is survived by her husband, Drew; daughter Angie (Todd) Albers; son Mark Butzow (his girlfriend, Traci Cokley); sister Debby (Michael) Fox; niece Gaby Fox; brother Keats (Gail) Garman; niece Ketty Loeb; sister-in-law Linda Butzow; and nieces Martha and Faye McCamy.

In accordance with Kathy’s wishes, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathy’s name to Gateway Family Services of Illinois in Potomac, Illinois.